Fred M. Gerik

Fred M. "Freddie" Gerik, age 79, of West, passed away early Sunday afternoon, April 23, 2006 at West Rest Haven. A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel by Rev. Vincent Chacko, IMS, with a family visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 3:00 p.m. Wednesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, with Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, conducted by West V.F.W. Post No. 4819. Mr. Gerik was born July 10, 1926 in Elm Mott, the son of Max J. and Agnes (Soukup) Gerik. He attended schools in Elm Mott and Ross. During World War II he entered the United States Army serving from 1944 until his honorable discharge in 1946. On January 28, 1950 he was united in marriage to Ruth Slovak in West. He was a carpenter for Cameron Mills in Waco before becoming an accomplished model maker for Chance Vought Aircraft currently known as Vought Aeronautics, maker of the B2 Stealth Bomber. Fred worked there for over 38 years and was heavily involved in building and testing various aircraft until his retirement in July of 1991. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption and was active in the West V.F.W. Post No. 4819. Fred enjoyed singing, fishing, watching western (Gene Autry) movies, water activities (he was an excellent diver), and going on camping trips. He especially loved spending time with his family. His parents; a brother, Frank Gerik; and a son-in-law, Jim Hall; all preceded him in death. Survivors include his beloved wife of 56 years, Ruth Gerik of West; a son, Freddie A. Gerik of Ft. Worth; three daughters, Anita Schenk and husband Elmer of Princeton, Patricia Carpenter and husband Chris of New Port Richey, Florida, and Cindy Hall of West; one brother, Raymond Gerik and wife Anne of Temple; eight grandchildren, Anthony Schenk, Thomas Carpenter, Jonathan and his wife Sheila Hall, Samuel Hall, Kristen Carpenter, Jacob Gerik, Alyssa Gerik, and Tiffany Lowery; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Darrell Gerik, Samuel Hall, Jonathan Hall, Anthony Schenk, Anthony Jares, Richard Polansky, Justin Slovak, and Russell Slovak. Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Parish Center or West Volunteer Ambulance Association.